**_We’re committed to being the clean energy leader in Louisiana. By investing in renewables like solar and utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology to make our air cleaner, we’re in this for the long haul, because our state and future generations depend on it. Come be a part of our journey at Cleco where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow._** The **Accountant II, Financial Reporting** is an experienced professional with knowledge of and some experience with Financial Reporting principles, practices, concepts, and theories. The incumbent is responsible for assisting management with the timely and accurate preparation and distribution of periodic financial statements and other financial data for external and internal use. The incumbent ensures that reports, filings, and documentation comply with company and governmental regulations, professional standards, and SEC and GAAP reporting guidelines. The incumbent performs Financial Reporting work that is varied with some complexity, and usually has some precedent. The incumbent is responsible for the completion of assigned processes or activities, requiring interpretation of Accounting/Financial Reporting practices. The incumbent contributes to the identification of improvements to enhance Financial Reporting activities and procedures. The incumbent assists in the onboarding of entry-level employees with Financial Reporting responsibilities. **Key Responsibilities** + Provide day to day technical execution of defined activities including, preparing portions of regulatory filings such as Forms 10-Q, 10-K, 8-K, FERC Form 1, FERC Form 3Q, as well as other monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements + Prepare monthly reports and financial statements; work with the Financial System Support team to ensure the financial reporting system/structure appropriately responds to changing accounting or reporting requirements + Adhere to Financial Reporting/Accounting standards, procedures, and processes; provide high quality customer service to internal and external stakeholders in response to questions pertaining to Financial Reporting + Support the Financial Reporting Supervisor with the development and implementation of appropriate metrics to manage business risks and improve decision making; consider future implications beyond an immediate problem + Participate in the analysis of historical data and identify trends to increase accountability and improve decision making for Financial Reporting, and contribute to the development of reports to effectively communicate insights that can impact Finance and the broader organization + Actively engage in process improvement initiatives to enhance Financial Reporting service delivery and processes; identify areas to automate routine manual tasks + Stay up to date with all department software (e.g., Workiva) with a continued focus on utilizing tools to improve accuracy and efficiency of Financial Reporting; participate in the integration of current systems (e.g., SAP) and analytical techniques to enhance/streamline current operations + Champion a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence **Qualifications** **Required Education, Experience, & Skills** + Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or related field + 3+ years of related experience + Experience with Utility Accounting, Finance, and Financial Systems/SAP preferred + Computer literacy in Wdesk/Workiva Reporting preferred + Knowledge of GAAP, Internal Control processes + Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required + Strong analytical, problem-solving, planning, and project management skills + Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job + Ability to exercise judgment with little direction/guidance but also knows when to escalate to the Financial Reporting Supervisor + Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner + Step progression to this level is typically restricted based on business requirement **Licenses and Certifications** + CPA or meets the requirements to sit for the CPA exam **Primary Competencies** **BEHAVIORAL** + Balances Stakeholders + Builds Effective Teams + Business Insight + Courage + Demonstrates Self-Awareness + Drives Results + Drives Vision & Purpose + Ensures Accountability + Instills Trust + Nimble Learning + Plans and Aligns + Strategic Mindset + Communicates Effectively + Safety **TECHNICAL (Core for Function)** + Core Accounting + Financial Reporting & Data Analysis + Industry & Business Knowledge + Risk Management + Business Partnering + Project & Change Management + Financial Transaction Management + Financial Systems + Governance & Internal Control + Regulatory Accounting